CNC Machinist, Optics Manufacturing

Prattwhitney; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

RTX's TX Optics Consolidated Manufacturing Center in Plano, TX seeks an Optics Ultra-Precision Machining Technician on second shift to set up and operate CNC equipment, turning diamond and fly-cut components to meet GD&T specs.

You will read drawings, interferograms, and CMM reports, and work with manufacturing engineering to ensure quality. The role requires 2+ years in CNC, U.S. citizenship, and a 2:00 PM–11:30 PM shift.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED with 2+ years of CNC machining experience.
• Experience in a CNC machine shop environment, including basic CNC programming.
• Experience with cutting tools.
• U.S. citizenship is required for access to this program/contract.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC equipment to manufacture precision optics.
• Read and interpret drawings, GD&T, and metrology data (interferograms, CMM).
• Operate lathes, fly cutters, polishing equipment and related machinery.
• Inspect optics for conformance to specifications and maintain clean, safe work area.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering and other technicians on process improvements.

Skills

CNC machining

CNC programming

Cutting tools

GD&T

Interferometry

CMM readings

Education

HS diploma or GED

AA/AS degree

Tools

Diamond turning lathes

Fly cutters

Polishing equipment

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-31 Country: United States of America Location: US-TX-RICHARDSON-521 ~ 1601 N Plano Rd ~ PLANO BLDG EOI Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required Security Clearance Status: Not Required

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

TX Optics Consolidated Manufacturing Center is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Optics Ultra-Precision Machining Technician to join our 2nd shift team. Reporting to the Value Stream Manager of Diamond Point Turning, the Machining Technician will set up and operate CNC equipment, meeting precision optical component specifications outlined in the work instructions, ensuring operations are efficient, safe and quality requirements are achieved. The successful candidate will be able to work in a fast-paced shop with a low-volume, high-mix environment.

What You Will Do

• Manufacture precision optics and optical components using Diamond Turning Lathes and/or Fly Cutters.
• Read and interpret optical component specifications from drawings, including knowledge of GD&T.
• Read and interpret interferograms, CMM reports and other metrology data.
• Independently set up and operate various optics manufacturing and testing equipment: lathes, fly cutters, polishing equipment, and other machinery, manual or CNC, as required.
• Operate advanced testing equipment such as interferometers and coordinate measuring machines, inspecting in-process optics for conformance to specifications.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineering and other machining technicians.
• Adhere to all environment, health, and safety rules, requirements, and procedures.
• Maintain work area in a clean and orderly manner.

Job requires standing 80-90% and walking short distances 10-20%, bending at the waist 20%, lifting and/or carrying < 15lbs. Second Shift is typically 2:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

What You Will Learn

Enhance your skills in CNC machining.

Learn best practices in optics manufacturing, including metrology.

Dexterity to handle optical components with care.

Qualifications

• Typically requires HS diploma (or equivalent, e.g. G.E.D. in the US) or vocational/technical education in related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in a CNC machine shop environment, including basic CNC Programming.
• Experience with cutting tools.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

We Prefer

• Mathematical skills in geometry and trigonometry.
• AA/AS or similar technical degree.
• Experience measuring precision diamond-turned optical components.
• Experience with surface quality standards, and inspection methods.

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

• Relocation benefits are not available for this position.
• Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.
• Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
• Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

Location & Salary

• This role is a U.S.-based role.
• The location is Plano, TX.
• The salary range for this role is $26-$30/hour. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
• As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
• Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
• If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
• RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class.

RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Company Overview

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity.

The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.